“It’s a moment to enjoy, to dream and to believe… the kid who dreamed of this… has done it,”
Real Sociedad won the Copa del Rey final against Atletico Madrid on penalties 4-3 after a 2-2 draw. Unai Marrero saved two penalties during the shootout, securing the win for his team.
This victory marked Real Sociedad’s fourth Copa del Rey title in history. Pellegrino Matarazzo became the first American manager to lift a major trophy in Europe’s top five football leagues.
Ander Barrenetxea scored the fastest goal in Copa del Rey final history after just 14 seconds. Atletico Madrid responded with Ademola Lookman’s goal in the 19th minute.
Mikel Oyarzabal then equalized for Real Sociedad with a penalty just before halftime. Julian Alvarez scored for Atletico Madrid in the 83rd minute, bringing the match level again.
The match took place at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, attended by 72,000 fans. Atletico Madrid’s domestic trophy drought has now extended to five years after this loss.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding potential changes in Atletico Madrid’s management or future strategies following this defeat. The club last reached a Copa del Rey final 13 years ago, indicating a significant decline in their domestic performance.
